Cover for rain gutter

ABSTRACT

A method and material for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. A first layer of non-woven fibers may be secured to a second scrim layer. A hinge may extend along the length of the cover. The cover defines a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the cover configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter. Adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover may be joined by using mating projections and apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of rain guttershields/devices used to prevent debris from entering and/or cloggingrain gutters used on buildings. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a gutter cover/filter formed of a two-layer mat composed ofnon-woven fibers that may be quickly and easily installed in raingutters without the need for additional fastening elements, such asscrews, nails or adhesives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rain gutters are a component of almost every house and most buildings,and are typically installed around the perimeter of a roof to collectrainwater runoff so that it may be discharged through downspouts atselected locations. This prevents damage to underlying areas around thebuilding structure, such as the pitting or trenching of lawns and waterdamage to the structure's foundation. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical raingutter is an open channel that is fastened to the side of a buildingimmediately below the edge of the roof. Because of its open top, thegutter may collect unwanted leaves, branches, or other debris. Thisdebris may seriously hamper the effectiveness of the gutters, as thegutters and/or downspouts may be clogged by the debris, preventing thewater that has been collected from being discharged. Gutters musttherefore be routinely cleaned to remove accumulated debris, which is atime consuming and dirty job.

It is well known that some form of shield may be added to the top of thegutter to prevent debris from entering while allowing water to passthrough into the gutter channel. Such a device must be sufficientlywater permeable to allow water to flow into the gutter channel, whilestill being able to keep leaves, twigs, pine needles and roofing shingleparticles from entering. Also, it is desirable for the cover to bestrong enough to support the weight of debris, ice or snow which mayaccumulate on the cover. The cover should not occlude a large portion ofthe channel, which may impede the flow of water through the gutters intothe downspouts. Also, the cover needs to be securely fastened orattached to the gutter, to prevent it from detaching in the presence ofhigh winds.

A variety of rain gutter covers, such as wire meshes formed into avariety of configurations, exist in the prior art. However, these wiremeshes typically require the use of fasteners and/or a variety of toolsto install them. Modification of the wire mesh to fit the gutter bycutting the mesh is also a difficult and potentially dangerous task.Additional designs, formed of plastic and other materials, have alsobeen proposed, but also require significant time and effort to installand may cause other leakage problems. For example, some products aredesigned to be partially inserted underneath existing shingles or otherroofing material, which, in many cases, may be brittle and subject tobreakage. Even minor damage to shingles may result in a leaky roof.

Thus, there exists a need for a rain gutter cover that is inexpensive,easy to install, strong, durable and safe. Such a cover would permithomeowners to quickly and easily shield their gutters from accumulateddebris without the need for fastening elements and tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses these problems by providing a raingutter cover that is safe, effective and easy to install.

In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a coverfor preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the raingutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls,the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and adepth. The cover includes a first water permeable layer, a top portionof the first layer and a base portion of the first layer. The firstwater permeable layer includes a plurality of fibers that are eithernon-woven or loosely woven and has a thickness and a length. The firstwater permeable layer is configured and dimensioned to allow flexion ofthe top portion relative to the base portion so that the cover fitssecurely, and remains in place in the rain gutter.

In a second preferred embodiment the invention relates to a method forpreventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter. The methodincludes measuring a length of a cover for placement within the gutter.The cover includes a first water permeable layer including a pluralityof non-woven fibers. The first layer has a thickness, a length, a topportion having a first width, and a base portion having a second width.The cover is configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the topportion relative to the base portion. The method also includesinstalling the cover within the rain gutter by aligning the base portionof the cover along the first gutter sidewall and flexing the top portionwith respect to the base portion so that a free end of the top portionextends to the second gutter sidewall.

In a third preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to acover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, therain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair ofsidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having awidth and a depth. The cover of the current embodiment is formed of twowater permeable layers: (1) a first layer formed of a plurality ofnon-woven fibers, where the first layer has a thickness and a length,and (2) a second layer of resilient scrim secured to the first layer.The second layer may be secured to the first layer by bonding,needlepunching, or by applying adhesive to the abutting surfaces of thetwo layers. Both the top portion and base portion are configured to beresiliently flexible. The cover includes a hinge extending along thelength of the combined first and second layers. The hinge defines a topportion having a first width and a base portion having a second width,the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portionrelative to the base portion. The hinge exerts a restoring force thatbiases the top portion of the cover toward a substantially co-planararrangement with the base portion. The base portion of the cover isaligned with a first sidewall of the gutter adjacent the buildingstructure and may be substantially equal to the depth of the gutterchannel. The base portion may also include one or more cutouts to reduceoverall weight and save material. The free end of the top portion may beconfigured to fit securely against the opposite sidewall and, in someapplications, beneath a lip formed on one of the sidewalls of the raingutter. The top portion may be greater than or equal to the width of thegutter channel such that it prevents debris from entering the gutterchannel. If the top portion is slightly wider than the gutter channel,an additional retaining force is provided to hold the cover in placebetween the sidewalls of the gutter. While in a preferred aspect, thecover is securely held in place without additional fastening elements,in some configurations mechanical fasteners, such as clips, could beused to secure the cover to the sidewalls of the gutter.

The hinge may be formed by a notch extending along the length of thefirst layer, where the notch has a depth less than the thickness of thefirst layer. The notch may be substantially rectangular, square,triangular, semicircular or any other suitable geometric shape, and maybe formed by removing material from the first layer after the firstlayer is formed. The first layer of the cover may be formed of a web ofrandomly aligned, synthetic or natural fibers, such as polyester, andthe second layer may be formed of a synthetic fiber, such as polyesteror nylon. The second layer has a top surface that is substantiallysmooth to prevent debris from accumulating on the cover. The smoothsurface of the second layer may also include ribs to provide addedstrength and/or achieve a higher flow rate through the cover.

The top portion of the cover may include at least one channel formed inthe first layer, and the base portion of the cover may include at leastone slot extending through first layer. In addition, the cover mayfurther comprise at least one projection formed at the end of a lengthof cover, the projection configured and adapted to mate with acorresponding aperture formed at an end of another section of cover tojoin two sections of cover together. In addition to the top portion andbase portion, the cover may include a second base portion and a secondhinge. The second base portion and hinge are similar to the first baseportion and hinge but are formed on the opposite side of the top portionas the first base portion and hinge. Thus, the cover forms an inverted“U” shape when installed in the gutter.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to acover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain guttercomprising a first water permeable layer formed of a plurality ofnon-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length, and asecond water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the secondlayer also having a thickness and a length. At least one projection isformed at an end of a first length of cover, and the projection isconfigured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed atan end of another length of cover to join two adjacent lengths of covertogether during installation within a gutter. The thickness of the firstlayer may be greater than the thickness of the second layer, and thecover may further comprise a hinge extending along the length of thecombined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portionhaving a first width and a base portion having a second width, andconfigured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relativeto the base portion.

In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates toa cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, therain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair ofsidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having awidth and a depth. The cover includes a first water permeable layerformed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having athickness and a length secured to a second, substantially smooth, waterpermeable layer. The second layer is configured and adapted to preventthe accumulation of debris on the cover and has a thickness less thanthe thickness of the first layer. In a preferred aspect, the totalthickness of the combined first and second layers is substantially equalto the depth of the gutter channel.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to amethod for preventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter,the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair ofsidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having awidth and a depth, and (for some gutters) a lip formed on the firstsidewall. A length of a resilient, water permeable cover is measured forplacement within the gutter, the cover including a first water permeablelayer formed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer havinga thickness and a length; a second water permeable layer of resilientscrim secured to the first layer; and a hinge extending along the lengthof the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a topportion having a first width and a base portion having a second width,the hinge being configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the topportion relative to the base portion. The length of cover may be easilycut by a user using a scissor or other cutting tool.

The cover may be installed within the rain gutter by aligning the baseportion of the cover along the first gutter sidewall adjacent thebuilding structure and flexing the top portion with respect to the baseportion so that a free end of the top portion fits against the oppositesidewall. Modified sections of the cover may be installed in portions ofthe rain gutter containing fasteners used to secure the rain gutter to asupporting structure, the modified sections of the cover having a topportion that includes at least one channel formed in the first layer,and a base portion that includes at least one slot extending completelythrough first layer, the channel and the slot configured and adapted toallow the modified section to fit within the rain gutter despite thepresence of fasteners. In one application, adjacent ends of adjacentsections of cover may be attached together by using mating projectionsand apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a typical prior art rain gutter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover for a rain gutter according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a portion of the cover labeledDetail 3 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the cover shownin FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 showing a substantially triangular notch;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section of another preferred embodiment of the covershown in FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 showing a substantially rectangularnotch;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in a partiallyflexed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 5 installed in atypical rain gutter;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of two adjacent sections of cover according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified section of cover according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 5 being cut by ascissors-like tool;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover for a rain gutter according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cover for a rain gutter according toyet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of still another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As known in the prior art and shown in FIG. 1, a typical rain gutter 10has an open top 12, a bottom surface 14, and rear and front sidewalls16, 18, respectively. Gutter 10 may also include a lip 20 formed at theupper portion of the front sidewall 18. The bottom surface and sidewallsform a channel having a depth D and a width W. Mechanical fasteners 22that extend across the width W are typically used to secure the gutterto a home or building.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of a cover30 for a rain gutter according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The cover 30 is formed of a first water permeable layer 32 ofa plurality of non-woven, or loosely woven, fibers, and preferably asecond, water permeable scrim layer 34 (shown best in FIG. 3), which issecured to the top of first layer 32.

Fibers of this type used in the first layer 32 have been employed incleaning pads, for example the Scotchbrite® scouring sponge manufacturedby the 3M Corporation. A living hinge 36 is formed along the length ofthe first layer 32. The living hinge may be formed by a notch 38 cutalong the length of the first layer 32. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,which are cross-sections taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2, notch 38 may besubstantially rectangular or triangular, but is not limited to theseshapes and may also be square, semicircular or any other suitablegeometry. The depth of the notch is preferably less than the thicknessof the first layer (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In one specific configuration,the thickness T of the combined first and second layer may range fromapproximately 0.25 inches to approximately 1.0 inches.

Notch 38 divides these cover 30 into a top portion 40 having a width W1and a base portion 42 having a width W2. First layer 32 may be formed ofa coarse, non-woven or loosely woven web of natural or synthetic fibers,such as polyester. First layer 32 is preferably an air-laid fabric, butmay also be formed by other methods known in the art, e.g., carded,garnetted, wet-laid, or melt-blown.

Thinner scrim layer 34, which is preferably formed of nylon or othersuitable synthetic material, provides a substantially smooth top surfaceto the cover 30. In the alternative, the scrim layer 34 can also beformed from lossely woven (or non woven) fibers with a preferred densitybeing sufficient to prevent leaves, twigs, and leave stems from becomingtrapped between the fibers. In another alternative embodiment, the scrimlayer 34 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Scrim layer 34 may also be ribbed to provide added strengthand/or increase the flow rate through the material.

In one specific configuration, the first layer 32 is a non-woven,air-laid fabric containing one-hundred (100) denier polyester fiberweighing on the order of 8.0 ounces per square yard and resistant todirect sun and weather exposure, and second scrim layer 34 is a knitpolyester of 13 wales by 15 course count weighing approximately 2.5ounces per square yard. Scrim layer 34 may be attached to first layer 32by needlepunching using a Hunter Model 15 tacker loom. The compositematerial is then sprayed with a synthetic resin and cured such that thetotal resulting cover weight is on the order of 30 ounces per squareyard. The resulting cover 30 is resilient and flexible enough to allowit to be bent by hand but stiff enough to resist bowing under the weightof debris. As discussed in more detail below, the resiliency of thematerial and the configuration of the cover allows it to be securely andeasily installed in a gutter. Removal from the gutter is similarlyfacilitated.

As shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the hinge 36 not labeledin FIG. 5 formed by the notch 38 provides a restoring force F that tendsto bias top portion 40 toward a substantially coplanar position withbase portion 42. As shown in FIG. 6, when installed in gutter 10, baseportion 42 of cover 30 is positioned against back wall 16 of gutter 10.Base portion 42 provides support for cover 30 within gutter 10, and isconfigured to resist buckling while supporting top portion 40 andpotential debris, e.g., branches, that might fall on top portion 40. Thewidth, W2 of base portion 42 is preferably equal to the depth D of thegutter 10. As shown in FIG. 10, base portion 42 may be formed with oneor more perforations, cutouts, or notches 44, which allows for a savingsin total material weight with minimal loss in material strength. Cutouts44 may form a sawtooth configuration or any other slotted or scallopedconfiguration that will allow for material and weight savings. Inaddition, as discussed in more detail below, cutouts 44 may facilitateinstallation of cover 30 over gutter fastening and bracing elements.

Notch 38 allows top portion 40 to be flexed with respect to base portion42 while providing a restoring force F. Top portion 40 preferably has awidth W1 greater than or equal to the width W of the gutter to preventdebris from accumulating in the gutter 10 while allowing water to flowthrough. The free end of top portion 40 is biased by restoring force Faway from base portion 42 and, in a preferred embodiment, fits within orunder a lip 20 of gutter 10 such that the cover 30 is secured withingutter 10 and will not be dislodged by wind or other potentiallydisturbing forces. Width W1 may also be sized greater than gutter widthW to provide an additional securing force when cover 30 is placed withingutter 10. Top portion 40 is configured to resist bending moments, suchas those caused by debris resting on top portion 40, encountered duringuse.

Preferably, additional fastening elements, such as nails, screws oradhesives are not required to maintain cover 30 within gutter 10.However, in some configuration, additional fastening elements, such asclips, may be used to secure cover 30.

The cover 30 may be dispensed in predetermined lengths or on rolls. Asshown in FIG. 9, in either case, cover 30 can be easily cut usingconventional scissors 70, utility knifes, or other simple cutting toolsto fit a specific gutter. Specialized cutting implements are notnecessarily required. For example, should the width of base portion W2be too great for a given gutter, an appropriate length may be trimmedfrom the free end of base portion 42 to allow it to fit comfortablywithin gutter 10. Similarly, top portion 40 may also be trimmed to havea diagonal edge to allow for cover 30 to be used in corners. Inalternate preferred embodiments, cover 30 may also be configured indifferent sizes so that the base portion 42 and top portion 40 fitdifferent standard gutter sizes. In addition, in different climatezones, cover 30 can be configured to resist higher or lower windvelocities by modifying the density and/or volume of first layer 32. Forexample, in areas susceptible to high wind conditions, the first layermay be configured with greater density than would be necessary in areaswith lower wind conditions.

As shown in FIG. 7, multiple sections 50, 52 of cover may be attached toone another by mating projections 54 and apertures 56 formed integrally(or cut by the user) at the ends of cover sections 50, 52. In alternateembodiment, adjacent edges of adjoining cover sections may be attachedto each other using mechanical means, such as clips, adhesive or otherfasteners well known in the art. In addition, because many guttersemploy support struts that run across the top of the open channel ornails that run across the top and through the back wall of the gutter toattach the gutter to a home or building, modified cover sections 60(shown in FIG. 8) may be installed over a portion of the gutter that hasa support strut or fastener. As shown in FIG. 8, modified section 60 mayhave a recess or channel 62 formed along the length of top portion 40 toaccommodate a support rail or fastener and/or an aperture or slot 64extending from the bottom of base portion 42 toward top portion 40.Aperture 64 allows section 60 to be installed within a gutter overfasteners connecting the gutter to a house or building. A plurality ofmodified sections 60 may be used in conjunction with regular coversections 30 to cover the entire length of a gutter. Of course, thechannel 62 and slot 64 may be cut from an unmodified cover section 30 bythe user to create a modified cover section 60. As shown in FIG. 7, bothregular and modified cover sections may include mating projections 54and apertures 56 so that modified sections 60 can be easily joined toadjacent regular sections 30.

In still another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, cover 70 may beformed of a first water permeable layer 72 of a plurality of non-wovenfibers, and a second, water permeable scrim layer 74, which is securedto the top of first layer 72. As shown, the thickness of the combinedfirst and second layers is approximately equal to the depth of thegutter channel. Top second layer 74 provides a substantially smoothsurface configured and adapted to prevent the accumulation of debris onthe cover. Because the cover 70 substantially fills the gutter channel,it may be securely maintained within the gutter channel withoutcumbersome fastening elements. As with prior embodiments, first layer 72may be formed of a coarse, non-woven or loosely woven web of natural orsynthetic fibers, such as polyester, and thinner scrim layer 34 may beformed of polyester, nylon or other suitable synthetic material.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides asubstantially “U” shaped cover 80 as illustrated by FIG. 12. The “U”shaped cover 80 includes a top portion 40 and two base portions 42A and42B extending from the top portion 40 on either side of the top portion40. Because the base portions 42A and 42B provide support for the topportion 40 on each side of the cover 80, the current embodiment is wellsuited for bearing ice and snow loads frequently encountered in coolerclimates. The cover 80 can also include a pair of notches that define apair of hinges so that the base portions 42A and 42B can be folded downto form the “U” shape with an open channel 82 running along the lengthof the cover 80. More particularly, the cover 80 may be configured suchthat the base portions 42A and 42B can be folded down from the topportion 40 without requiring hinges.

Moreover, whereas the cover 80 may be formed from a first layer ofloosely woven fibers and a second layer of scrim, the cover 80 may onlyinclude a first layer of dense fibers. Thus, it is not necessary toinclude a scrim on the covers provided by the present invention. Rather,the layer of fibers may be dense enough to prevent leaves, twigs, andleave stems from becoming trapped between the fibers. In thealternative, the second layer can be another layer of loosely woven (ornon woven) fibers that is thinner than the first layer and dense enoughto prevent debris from becoming trapped by the fibers of this secondlayer of fibers.

In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides acover for a gutter which again includes a first and a second permeablelayer as in some of the other embodiments. However, the presentembodiment does not include a hinge and the first layer only extendsfrom the front edge of the cover to about half way across the width ofthe cover. Thus, the scrim (or second layer) extends from the firstlayer and can be inserted between the shingles on the roof and theplywood deck. Preferably, the scrim extends from the first layer byabout 1 to 2 inches with the combined first and second layer coveringthe open top of the gutter and either abutting the front side of thegutter or being inserted in the lip of the gutter. In the alternative,the first layer may be omitted without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

While the present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatnumerous variations and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clearlyunderstood that the embodiments of the invention described above are notintended as limitations on the scope of the invention, which is definedonly by the following claims.

1. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter,the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair ofsidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having awidth and a depth, the cover comprising: a first water permeable layerincluding a plurality of fibers, the first layer having a thickness anda length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-woven and looselywoven; a top portion of the first water permeable layer having a firstwidth and a base portion of the first water permeable layer having asecond width, the first water permeable layer being configured anddimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the baseportion, whereby the cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securelyand remain in place in the rain gutter.
 2. The cover according to claim1, further comprising a second water permeable layer secured to thefirst layer.
 3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the second waterpermeable layer is a scrim.
 4. The cover according to claim 2, whereinthe plurality of fibers is a first plurality of fibers, the second waterpermeable layer includes a second plurality of fibers, the secondplurality of fibers being one of non-woven or looslely woven.
 5. Thecover according to claim 4, wherein the density of the second pluralityof fibers is greater than the density of the first plurality of fibers.6. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge extendingalong the length of the first layer and defining the top portion and thebase portion.
 7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the baseportion is a first base portion, the cover further comprising a secondbase portion of the first layer.
 8. The cover according to claim 7,further comprising a first and a second hinge, the first hinge definingthe first base portion, the second hinge defining the second baseportion, and the first and second hinges defining the top portion,whereby the cover is substantially “U” shaped when it is in place in thegutter.
 9. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the top portiondefining a recess, whereby the top portion may fit over a mechanicalfastener associated with the gutter.
 10. The cover according to claim 1,wherein the base portion defines a slot, whereby the base portion mayfit around a mechanical fastener associated with the gutter.
 11. Thecover according to claim 1, wherein the base portion defines a cutout,whereby the overall weight of the cover is reduced.
 12. The coveraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a first end thatdefines an aperture and a second end including a projection, theaperture and the projection to correspond in shape to one another,whereby adjacent covers may be joined together.
 13. A method forpreventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter, the raingutter having an open top, a bottom surface, a first sidewall and asecond sidewall, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channelhaving a width and a depth, the method comprising the steps of:measuring a length of a cover for placement in the gutter, the coverincluding a first water permeable layer includes a plurality ofnon-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; a topportion having a first width and a base portion having a second width,the cover configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portionrelative to the base portion; and installing the cover in the raingutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along the first guttersidewall and flexing the top portion with respect to the base portion sothat a free end of the top portion extends to the second guttersidewall.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprisinginserting the free end of the cover in a lip of the gutter.
 15. Themethod according to claim 13, further comprising flexing a hingeextending along the length of the first layer and defining the topportion and the base portion.
 16. The method according to claim 13,further comprising fitting the top portion over a mechanical fastenerassociated with the gutter.
 17. The method according to claim 13,further comprising fitting the base portion around a mechanical fastenerassociated with the gutter.
 18. The method according to claim 13,further comprising joining the cover to another cover using an aperturedefined by an end of one of the covers and a projection defined by anend of the other cover, the aperture and the projection to correspond inshape to one another.
 19. A cover for preventing the accumulation ofdebris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottomsurface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewallsdefining a channel having a width and a depth, the cover comprising: afirst water permeable layer including a plurality of non-woven fibers,the first layer having a thickness and a length; a second waterpermeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer having athickness and a length; and a hinge extending along the length of thecombined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portionhaving a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hingeconfigured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relativeto the base portion wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned tofit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
 20. The cover ofclaim 19, wherein the hinge provides a restoring force that biases thetop portion of the cover toward a substantially co-planar relationshipwith the base portion.
 21. The cover of claim 19, wherein the hinge isdefined by a notch extending along the length of the first layer. 22.The cover of claim 21, wherein the notch has a depth less than thethickness of the first layer.
 23. The cover of claim 21, wherein thenotch is one of substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, orsubstantially semicircular.
 24. The cover of claim 19, wherein thesecond width of the base portion is substantially equal to the depth ofthe channel.
 25. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first width of thetop portion is greater than the width of the gutter channel.
 26. Thecover of claim 19, wherein a free side of the top portion to fit in alip formed on one of the sidewalls of the rain gutter.
 27. The cover ofclaim 19, wherein the base portion includes at least one cutout, wherebythe cutout reduces the overall weight of the cover.
 28. The cover ofclaim 19, wherein the thickness of the first layer is greater than thethickness of the second layer.
 29. The cover of claim 19, wherein thethickness of the first layer is between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. 30.The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer includes randomly alignedfibers.
 31. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer is includessynthetic fibers.
 32. The cover of claim 31, wherein the first layer isincludes polyester fibers.
 33. The cover of claim 19, wherein the secondlayer is a resilient scrim.
 34. The cover of claim 19, wherein thesecond layer includes synthetic fibers.
 35. The cover of claim 34,wherein the second layer includes nylon.
 36. The cover of claim 19,wherein the second layer has a top surface that is substantially smooth.37. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second layer has a ribbedsurface.
 38. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer is attachedto the second layer by one of bonding, an adhesive, or needlepunching.39. The cover of claim 19, the top portion further comprising at leastone channel formed in the first layer, and the base portion furthercomprising at least one slot extending through first layer.
 40. Thecover of claim 19, further comprising at least one projection formed atan end of a length of cover, the projection configured and adapted tomate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another section,whereby two sections of cover may be joined together.
 41. A method forpreventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter, the raingutter having an open top, a bottom surface, a first sidewall and asecond sidewall, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channelhaving a width and a depth, the method comprising the steps of:measuring a length of a water permeable cover for placement in thegutter, the cover including a first water permeable layer includes aplurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and alength; a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer, thesecond layer having a thickness and a length; and a hinge extendingalong the length of the combined first and second layers, the hingedefining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having asecond width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion ofthe top portion relative to the base portion; and installing the coverin the rain gutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along thefirst gutter sidewall and flexing the top portion with respect to thebase portion so that a free end of the top portion extends to the secondgutter sidewall.
 42. The method of claim 41, further comprisinginstalling modified sections of the cover at portions of the rain guttercontaining fasteners used to secure the rain gutter to a supportingstructure, the modified sections of the cover having a top portion thatincludes at least one channel formed in the first layer, and a baseportion that includes at least one slot extending completely through thecombined first and second layers, the channel and the slot configuredand adapted to allow the modified section to fit in the rain gutterdespite the presence of fasteners.
 43. The method of claim 41, furthercomprising cutting a length of cover to fit in the rain gutter.
 44. Themethod of claim 41, further comprising attaching adjacent ends ofadjacent sections of cover together with mating projections andapertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.
 45. Asystem for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain guttercomprising: at least one length of a first section of a cover forinstallation in the rain gutter, the first section of cover comprising afirst water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers; asecond water permeable layer secured to the first layer; and a hingeextending along the length of the combined first and second layers, thehinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portionhaving a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allowflexion of the top portion relative to the base portion; and at leastone length of a second section of a cover for installation in the raingutter, the second section of cover comprising a first water permeablelayer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers; a second water permeablelayer secured to the first layer; and a hinge extending along the lengthof the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a topportion having a first width and a base portion having a second width,the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portionrelative to the base portion, wherein the top portion of the secondsection of cover includes at least one channel formed in the firstlayer, and the base portion of the second section of cover includes atleast one slot extending through the combined first and second layers;Wherein both the first and second sections of cover are configured anddimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter. 46.The system of claim 45, further comprising a cutting tool.
 47. Thesystem of claim 45, wherein the cutting tool is a scissor.
 48. Thesystem of claim 45, wherein the first section of cover has at least oneprojection formed at an end of a length of the first section of cover,the projection configured and adapted to mate with a correspondingaperture formed at an end of another section of cover to join twoadjacent sections of cover together.
 49. A cover for preventing theaccumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the cover comprising: a firstwater permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers, thefirst layer having a thickness and a length; a second water permeablelayer secured to the first layer, the second layer having a thicknessand a length; and at least one projection formed at an end of a lengthof cover wherein the projection is configured and adapted to mate with acorresponding aperture formed at an end of another length of cover tojoin two adjacent lengths of cover together and the cover is configuredand dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.50. The cover of claim 49, further comprising a hinge extending alongthe length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining atop portion having a first width and a base portion having a secondwidth, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the topportion relative to the base portion.
 51. A cover for preventing theaccumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an opentop, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface andsidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the covercomprising: a first water permeable layer includes a plurality ofnon-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; and asecond, substantially smooth, water permeable layer secured to the firstlayer, the second layer configured and adapted to prevent theaccumulation of debris on the cover and having a thickness less than thethickness of the first layer; wherein the cover is configured anddimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter. 52.The cover of claim 51, wherein the total thickness of the combined firstand second layers is substantially equal to the depth of the gutterchannel.
 53. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a raingutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pairof sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel havinga width and a depth, the gutter being adjacent a roof having a pluralityof shingles covering a deck, the cover comprising: a first waterpermeable layer including a plurality of fibers, the first layer havinga thickness and a length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-wovenand loosely woven, the first water permeable layer having a back edge; asecond water permeable layer secured to the first water permeable layerand extending beyond the back edge of the first water permeable layer,whereby the second water permeable layer is configured and dimensionedto fit securely and remain in place between the shingles and the deck ofthe roof.
 54. The cover according to claim 53 wherein the first waterpermeable layer is a non-woven, air-laid fabric containing one-hundred(100) denier polyester fiber weighing on the order of 8.0 ounces persquare yard and resistant to direct sun and weather exposure, andwherein the second water permeable layer is a knit polyester of 13 walesby 15 course count weighing approximately 2.5 ounces per square yard.55. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter,the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair ofsidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having awidth and a depth, the gutter being adjacent a roof having a pluralityof shingles covering a deck, the cover comprising: a first waterpermeable layer including a plurality of fibers, the first layer havinga thickness and a length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-wovenand loosely woven; a front portion of the first water permeable layerbeing adapted to cover the open top of the cover; and a back portion ofthe first water permeable layer being adjacent to the front portion andbeing adapted to extend between the shingles and the deck of the roof.